Tag Archives: virus

U.S.

U.S. West Nile Virus update, 27 August 2012: Dozens more cases. Towns being called ‘Critical’. Indiana death. Pennsylvania death. Texas death. Kansas death. Missouri death. Military infected? Lack of mosquitoes?

“It’s a mystery right now, why we’re having this spike in West Nile virus cases. We don’t have any evidence that there are more mosquitoes around.”-Claudia Blackburn,  Sedgwick County Health Department, Kansas

“Texas is really having a problem with West Nile and it looks like it’s moving this direction. It will become more of a problem and people need to be aware and take precautions.”-Ann Mayo, Flint Hills Community Health Center, Kansas

Kansas reporting first human death, and more human cases.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services confirmed that a man who died earlier in the month, died from West Nile virus.

Texas reports 12th person has died from West Nile.  It happened in Dallas County.  Also, several military bases are reporting mosquitoes infected with West Nile, they are Joint Base San Antonio-Randolf, JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Camp Bullis.

A Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, man has died from West Nile.

A Marion County, Indiana, man died from West Nile.

New Hampshire reports first human case of West Nile.

Mississippi reporting 10 new human cases of West Nile.

Duval County, Florida, reporting four new human cases of West Nile.

New York State Health Commissioner, Nirav R. Shah, said cases of West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are increasing. The State of New York reports 13 human cases, and the City of New York reports five human cases.  Horses are testing positive for EEE.

Massachusetts health officials have confirmed a third human case of West Nile virus.  The Town of Plympton is now considered ‘critical’ for EEE.

Mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile in Vermont, Rhode Island and Maine.  However, officials in Rhode Island are now saying that the latest batch of mosquitoes tested negative for West Nile and EEE.

Michigan health officials are also warning people to prevent mosquito bites while at outdoor sporting practice or games: “Nationwide, we are experiencing the highest number of human West Nile Virus cases since 1999. We are encouraging athletic teams, their fans, and all residents to take protective measures during sporting events such as practice and games.”-Oakland County Health Division statement

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

U.S. West Nile Virus update, 22 August 2012: Alarming jump in infections and deaths! Epidemic-Aid response! Pets victims of virus and spraying. Cases being misdiagnosed.

“That’s a significant number. We should expect more. We are about to hit our peak and we still have another month when the majority of cases are going to occur.”-Kristy Murray, infectious disease specialist Baylor College of Medicine

On 22 August 2012, the CDC announced a huge jump in cases.  At least 40 deaths country wide, and more than 1,100 cases. The CDC must wait for state agencies to make official reports before compiling numbers, which is why it seems the CDC is behind the curve.

In Texas, more human infections, and deaths.  On 21 August 2012, two people in the Houston area died.  On the same day a death in Collin County, near Dallas, was reported.  Another person died in Dallas County. As of 21 August Texas now has nearly 600 confirmed infections.  The state of Texas has officially asked the CDC for help.  The CDC is calling their help “Epi-Aid response”.

The CDC responded to questions about why their reporting of cases was so low until a couple of weeks ago. The CDC says one main reason (besides the normal lag time in states reporting in) is because West Nile has symptoms so similar to other infections that many cases are being misdiagnosed.  The best way to diagnose West Nile infection is with a blood test done within 14 days of getting sick.

However, don’t think it’s a simple test that you can just pop in and take: “It’s not a test that you just want to come in and say, ‘I want to be tested for it,’ because it can be painful and costly.”-Chris Hable, East Texas Medical Center

Hable does have advise for differentiating between flu/cold symptoms and West Nile: “We’re talking about patients with high fever, confusion, stiff neck, not acting like themselves, weakness, numbness….those are the patients we need to see here in the emergency room.”

Illinois, Minnesota and New York reporting their first human deaths from West Nile.

California reporting their second human death, in Fresno County: “My concern is we still have a few more months to go in the West Nile virus season, and we’re already at seven cases.”-Edward Moreno, Fresno County Department of Public Health

The Ohio Department of Health issued a new warning, and county officials agree: “It’s not bad in Lake County, we’re just proactive, it’s bad in all of Ohio, it’s bad in 26 states in the United States, so people should be aware of it, not only because they live here in Lake County, but when they go to travel over the holiday weekend, they need to pay attention.”-Nancy Niehus, Lake County Health Department

Officials in Ohio point out that mosquito counts are low this year, but the type of mosquitoes that are out and about are the type that spread West Nile.

Oklahoma reports four more people infected.

Tennessee reporting at least five human cases.

Main reporting possible first two human cases: “One thing we do want to encourage people to do, is that if they see dead birds, to let us know.”-Anne Lictenwalner, Animal Health Lab at the University of Maine

Indiana and Massachusetts reporting dozens more mosquitoes testing positive for the virus.

Alabama reporting at least five new human cases, but also reporting horses infected.  Equestrian veterinarian, Barbara Benhart, has seen almost two dozen horses infected in one day, and some didn’t survive: “I saw it on a Sunday and it did not survive Monday.”

As of 21 August, there are 77 reported cases of horse infections (according to the United States Geological Survey’s disease maps) in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

There is no treatment for an infected horse, but there is a vaccine: “I, from day one, have been told you get your horses vaccinated, just like your dogs and cats. You have to, because you care about them, and for everybody else’s safety as well.”– Rachael Tucker, horse owner

A related disease is also showing up in humans as well as horses, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE): “I would say that EEE activity this year has been particularly intense.”-Anne Roach, Massachusetts Department of Health

The Humane Society of the United States is concerned for the safety of your pets, not only from contracting the virus, but from the pesticide spraying taking place in some parts of the country.  They say keep pets indoors if possible, and cover outdoor food and water sources when spraying is taking place. After all, the pesticides can be just as deadly as the virus.

Famous last words: “West Nile Virus is the most overblown health threat since the ‘killer bees.’”-Howard Garrett, organic gardening guru

Influenza

H3N2 Swine Flu spreading through the United States, children main targets, despite 2011-2012 flu season being officially ended

“So as of today, there are 145 confirmed cases of influenza infection with H3N2v virus, since the current outbreaks began in July of this year.  This includes one case in Hawaii, one case in Illinois, 113 cases being reported from Indiana, and 30 cases being reported from Ohio.  This is clearly a significant increase since last week’s total….”-Joseph Bresee, CDC

09 August 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that cases of H3N2v are now at 145 in the U.S.

Most of the current U.S. cases are in the mid west (some cases in Hawaii), with 90% of the infected people being children.  The CDC also believes there is a direct connection with pigs, and are asking people to avoid pigs if possible.

The H3N2v strain is a new version that showed up last year, and has been spreading around the World.

At the end of May 2012, the CDC warned that H3N2v was already the dominant flu, making up 60% of World cases.  But, the end of May is also when the CDC  announced the winding down of an unusually weak 2011-2012 flu season (weak for the U.S. that is): “This is the first time since CDC started this kind of influenza like surveillance (ILI) that the percentage of patient visits for ILI was elevated for only one week of the season.”-Joseph Bresee, CDC, May 2012

 

 

Influenza

H3N2 Update, 29 May 2012: Dominant Flu. Season ending in the North (but not for Hong Kong), beginning in South. New vaccine required.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that of the type A viruses hitting the Northern Hemisphere, H3N2 made up 60%.

Two deaths in the U.S. were reported in May, one from type B virus, the other was H3N2.

The U.S. CDC, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the UN World Health Organization (WHO) say influenza cases are declining in the Northern Hemisphere, as the flu season ends, but are expecting flu cases to increase in the Southern Hemisphere, as the flu season is officially beginning there.

Already the WHO is reporting that 86.6% of recent type A influenza cases, in the South, are H3N2.

The WHO also reporting that the H3N2 cases in the Northern Hemisphere showed rapid changes in the virus, meaning a new vaccine is needed.

As the flu season begins in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand is reporting that people there are scrambling to get vaccinated.  So far more than 910,000 New Zealanders have been vaccinated.

Flu season might be officially ending in the Northern Hemisphere, but don’t tell that to Hong Kong health officials.  The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) says the number of flu cases there are still high, with H3N2 making up 88.1% of recent cases in the weeks from 21 April to 12 May. Health officials in Hong Kong say the reason is that the new strain of H3N2 renders the vaccine useless!

The CHP reports at least 92 flu related deaths between 13 January and 14 May.

 

 

 

Influenza

War on Terror shifts to War on Flu. Politicians opposed were removed before votes were cast! New law says who will get help and who won’t!

April 27, 2012, Japan’s Diet (parliament) has passed a bill that allows near martial law like conditions in response to a major epidemic.

The Japanese government can now set up a special task force to deal with an outbreak of unusually virulent influenza.  A state of emergency can be declared if the epidemic threatens the economy.

The special task force can decide who will be given priority for medical help! Education can be suspended, and public gatherings and events restricted.

Something else to be concerned about, this law was passed only because all those politicians that opposed it were not present in the parliament, including members of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Japanese media says the law passed with a majority of the votes, but that’s a given when all those opposed were not present.

The committee that debated the bill warned that provisions should be added that protected individual liberties, and that the special task force should be required to heed the advise of medical experts.

Note: Japan is part of the Trilateral Commission (Europe, North America, Japan/Asia)

Influenza

H1N1: More cases & deaths in India. British politicians cut health budget, the result is more deaths. Canada, Mexico & U.S. to create cross border Flu response

In a case of government incompetence, the Indian state of Karnataka has decided it was time for family doctors to start addressing the rising cases of swine flu.  This after confirmed cases hit 126 on April 12, 2012.

“The role of general practitioners is important now because treatment can be effective only if it is started on time. We have adequate stocks of Tamiflu, the only anti-viral drug for A(H1N1) and vaccines. But the medicines can be effective only if they are administered on time.”-Chandrashekar Malagi, State Health Department

Seven people have died in the state of Karnataka.

In another example of local government incompetence, state health officials have decided against H1N1 screenings at the Bengaluru International Airport!

Most airports in India are screening for the virus, that’s because the whole country is experiencing an epidemic of H1N1.

However, the government of India is trying to calm the public by saying the worst is over, at least in the district of Pune (state of Maharashtra): “It is true that the positive cases are lesser in past few days in Pune district. This is in line with reports that virologists and experts had arrived that the surge in cases is likely to abate in 2-3 weeks.”– Pradeep Awate, Central Health Ministry

The Indian state of Gujarat has just reported its 6th case of H1N1.

In the city of Nashik, state of Maharashtra, two people died.  City health officials are taking no chances there, opening six new H1N1 screening centers.

47 people have so far been screened in Nashik, 11 are now in the hospital.

In Mumbai, state of Maharashtra, a 23 year old woman died on April 13.

On April 5, 2012, it was reported that British health officials’ lax response to H1N1 outbreaks resulted in more deaths that during the 2009-2010 outbreak!

The report blamed British politicians who said public health funding was a waste of money and cut the budgets!  The result of the budget cutting is; 10% more hospital admissions, 30% more deaths, and 30% more ICU admissions.

On April 4, 2012, officials from United States, Canada and Mexico announced they are working together to create a cross border flu response system.

“…the three countries will work together and with international organizations to develop guidance for influenza surveillance systems for select animal species, as well as guidance on the characterization, case definition, and reporting of novel strains, and on triggers for public health response.”  also “…exploring new financing and procurement mechanisms, investments in new and more flexible technology and manufacturing platforms, and coordinating plans for preparedness exercises. The plan also touches on sharing best practices for stockpiling.” also “…identify legal and regulatory challenges for helping each other with personnel and medical countermeasures in a public health emergency.” -CIDRAP

 

Influenza

H3N2: Kills family in U.S., Hong Kong reports sudden jump in cases, big hit on old folks homes in U.K., Australia gets hit early

On March 1 and March 2, 2012, in the U.S. state of Maryland, three people died from H3N2 influenza.  They were members of the same family. Two other family members are recovering.

Calvert County Health officials say those who died did not get vaccinated.  Two of those who died also had complications due to MRSA. U.S. health officials say the flu season is off to a late start.

Health officials in Hong Kong are reporting a sudden jump in H3N2 cases.

At the end of January, 2012, they reported 196 total flu cases. At the end of February they reported 465 cases.  Now, for the end of March they have 579 new cases!  At least 50 people have died.

H3N2 is the dominate influenza in Hong Kong, accounting for 48% of all flu cases!  Health officials say it is similar to influenza A/Perth/16/2009, which is a sign that current vaccines should help prevent it.

Here are some tips from Hong Kong health officials: “Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking. Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose. Maintain good indoor ventilation.  Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.”
Also: “Members of the public, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks [hopefully you won’t violate any Homeland Security rules] and consult their doctors promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.”

In the United Kingdom, old folks homes are getting hit hard.  In just one care center six people died within days of each other.  Officials are seeing a jump in H3N2 cases: “We have been getting outbreaks involving 20 to 30 people at a time. When this happens local health protection unit staff go into the homes and take swabs.”-Nick Phin, U.K.’s Health Protection Agency

The same official said flu deaths that occur in nursing homes are not required to be reported to the public: “…a mandatory scheme whereby anyone admitted to a hospital intensive care unit who dies from flu is reported to the Department of Health. But we don’t formally record flu deaths of people dying in care homes.”

In other words it could be worse than what has been reported!  The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is admitting that nursing homes have the highest cases of influenza A (which includes H3N2). Schools are the next hardest hit, with hospitals coming in third.

British health officials confirm what U.S. health officials are saying: “Flu has circulated late this season….The most common flu strain we are currently seeing circulate this season is H3N2, which can cause more severe illness particularly in older people….”

While some of us in the Northern Hemisphere are getting a late start to the flu season, Australia is reporting an early start.

Officials in New South Wales, Australia, are reporting that Australians returning from vacations in Europe and the United States are bringing H3N2 with them: “…people shouldn’t be complacent! We’ve had two confirmed cases in the Hunter from people who have been overseas.”-David Durrheim, Hunter New England Local Health District

Normally the flu season starts in April in the land Down Under.  Officials there are actually telling people with symptoms to stay away from hospitals, as well as nursing homes, schools and other crowded areas, in order to prevent spreading the virus.

 

 

 

Influenza

H1N1: Swine Flu spreading through India, local governments failing the public, oil rich North Dakota hit, death in Texas, Mexico more than 200 deaths

“There is a ‘sudden and sharp’ rise in the transmissibility of the swine flu virus this month. Usually, the virus transmission is not more than 1 or 2% during March. It is something unusual.”-A C Mishra, India’s National Institute of Virology

Indian health officials now reporting 211 cases from 5 states, and 16 deaths so far this year.

Some doctors say the virus is mutating fast: “…the virus itself has developed a new strain, which helps it to survive in warmer temperatures. While human beings develop immunity to the virus, the virus itself keeps transforming…”-Vijay Kumar Pawar, Aundh Civil Hospital

Some Indian states lack funding for health care, and as a result are actually ignoring cases of H1N1.

In the state of Ashok Gehlot the H1N1 death rate jumped from 5.87% in 2009-2010, to 27% for the 2011-2012 flu season!  Even though the state has finally set up facilities to monitor cases of H1N1, they have no vaccines available!

On March 19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 172 cases of H1N1 in the United States.

In the U.S. state of North Dakota, health officials say H1N1 has made itself known. Until two weeks ago flu cases were sporadic, now they are steady.

As of March 26, North Dakota has 365 influenza cases, four of which have been confirmed as H1N1.

“The good thing is the two viruses circulating most in the communities are in the vaccine. People that have been vaccinated would have protection against these viruses.”-Lindsey VanderBusch, North Dakota Health Department

In Corpus Cristi, Texas, a Nueces County woman died from H1N1, the first death since 2010.   She died on March 2, 2012.  She spent ten days in the hospital.  Apparently the information wasn’t made public until March 20.

In Mexico, health officials report 200 deaths from H1N1.  The Mexican state of Sonora reported its 6th death on March 14.  So far there are 274 H1N1 cases in Sonora, but that’s only 9th place compared to other Mexican states.

Guatemala is reporting 55 H1N1 cases, with four deaths.

Symptoms include sudden fever, running nose, sore throat, cough, problems in breathing, diarrhea or upset stomach, loss of appetite.  These are typical with many types of flu, however, if you have other health problems, or a weak immune system, you should see a doctor right away.

 

Influenza

H1N1: Swine flu killing people in India, affordable vaccine shortage, services forced to cut back on care due to lack of money

H1N1 is hitting one Indian city hard & fast, partly due to a shortage of vaccines.  In one week four people have died!  Five are in critical condition.

Pune officials had to destroy their stock of nasal spray vaccines because they had expired.  But there’s no shortage of other forms of more expensive H1N1 vaccines, just a shortage of cash to pay for them!

As of March 18, 2012, 58 people are confirmed infected with H1N1, with 15,000 people being tested for H1N1.  However, to cut costs officials have decided to restrict who gets tested for H1N1: “Only patients down with influenza like symptoms but having associated illnesses like diabetes, hypertension and other chronic illnesses as well as those falling in category A, irrespective of whether they have other co-morbid conditions or not, will be tested for swine flu infection.”-Pravin Shingare, Medical Education and Research (DMER)

On March 17, 2012, Mumbai state health officials called an emergency meeting.  They are trying to figure out the cause of such a sudden, and deadly outburst of H1N1.

So far they’re blaming lack of immunity caused by a new mutant strain of H1N1, and other medical conditions of the patient: “The last outbreak was reported over a year and half ago. The herd immunity people developed after that is on the decline hence people with compromised immunity due to pre-existing morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, cardiac illness, cancer etc are more susceptible.”-Pradeep Awate, state health surveillance officer

They also blame unusually cold weather for India: “The sudden cold wave in February following by the current transition period and difference in diurnal temperatures are favorable conditions for influenza infections like swine flu.”-Pradeep Awate, state health surveillance officer

Influenza

Pale Green Horse & H3N2: CDC says H3N2v Pandemic likely, potentially more virulent than H5N1, WHO says Vaccines must be changed

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study says H3N2 swine flu virus is potentially more virulent than H5N1 bird flu.

Unlike the H5N1 flu, in which a U.S. taxpayer funded study showed that humans could manipulate the virus to make an even more deadly version, H3N2 does not need to be manipulated by humans.  The CDC study shows that Mother Earth is already mutating H3N2 rapidly and towards a more deadly version.

At the same time, the UN’s World Heath Organization has issued a warning, saying vaccines need to be adjusted for the rapidly changing H3N2 strains.

The WHO says the influenza A/H3N2 component, along with influenza B component, of vaccines should be changed.  Also, for the 2012-13 flu season, look out for H1N1 California, H3N2 Victoria and influenza B Wisconsin.

Back to the CDC.  The 2011-12 flu season started late, in fact the CDC says it’s the latest start to the U.S. flu season in the past 29 years!  The CDC warns that a late start does not mean it won’t be bad.

“While most indicators of seasonal flu activity are currently low, we expect them to increase in the coming weeks….In addition to starting late, flu season can also peak late. In fact, in the past 35 seasons we have seen peak activity….four times in March and two times in April….nor can we predict how severe the season will ultimately be.”-Joseph Bresee, CDC

I looked and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him.  They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.